On Labor Day, the Friends of Wiscasset Library will hold their 9th Bands for Books fundraiser. From the first year in 2014, Katharine Martin-Savage was a major force on the committee which still plans this party for our community and those in neighboring communities who use and enjoy our library. For three of the nine years, Kathy hosted the fundraiser at her Seafield Farm, where a huge tent was erected on her former riding ring. We all knew we would need to find a new venue for our next fundraiser, as the demands on Kathy were just too great.

This year, even while her health prevented her from attending meetings, Kathy was busy on the phone, lining up sponsors, caterers and servers. Her major contributions each year to the success of Bands for Books will be greatly missed, as will her love and support for the Wiscasset Library. For her friends who served these years with her, her smiling face and eagerness to volunteer for every need cannot be replaced. Our entire committee wishes to dedicate this year’s Bands for Books to Katharine Martin-Savage, in honor of her incredible contributions to Wiscasset Public Library.

As we considered new venue options in Wiscasset, there was no space large enough to accommodate our needs. We discovered a perfect location in nearby Damariscotta. Lakehurst Lodge has a long history as a popular dance hall, and provides everything we need to continue our party/fundraiser.

Here is a bit of history about our new venue and its bygone days.

In 1920, the Lakehurst property was purchased by Marion Pinkham Cook’s husband and the Pinkham family have owned and managed it since then. In the mid-1920s, the property and buildings were used as a boys’ camp known as Lake Pemaquid – a camp for boys to experience the Maine woods. In the early 1930s, the barn was moved to what makes up the center of the current Lodge. On July 13, 1935, the first public dance was held. Lawson Pinkham designed and drew posters to announce the dances. The opening dance featured Cecil Hutchins of WTVI and his band, Royal Commanders of Waterville. One could buy a ticket for 40 cents and dance the night away.

At the same time, a restaurant was started at the Lodge, but the dancing continued three nights a week when all the tables were moved out and folding chairs lined the dance hall. From 1935 until the early 1960s (except during World War II), dancing continued every Saturday night. Band leaders of note were Joe Avery, Lloyd Rafnell and Lou Paul.

In 1969, the next generation of the Pinkham family began operating the Lodge as a bottle club and country western music filled the air. More tables were added later and the Lodge was operated as a private club until 1984. Since then, the Lodge has been used as a recreation hall and has hosted a variety of events.

The committee decided what better place to hold the Bands for Books fundraiser than a dance hall dating back to the 1930s! So, dust off your dancing shoes and come dance to the music of The Salty Dogs on Monday, Sept. 4 from 5 to 7 p.m. Beginning in early July, tickets are available for purchase at the Wiscasset Public Library. Advance purchase tickets are $20 and tickets at the door are $25 or contact Linda Winterberg at lzwint43@gmail.com.

Bands for Books is presented by Friends of the Wiscasset Public Library and is its major fundraiser to benefit the Library.